Five Sunderland parks awarded prestigious Green Flags

The Sunderland parks have been recognised for their high standards of management, cleanliness, and community value under the Green Flag Award scheme.

Barnes Park, Herrington Country Park, Hetton Lyons Country Park, Mowbray Park, and Roker Park in Sunderland have each received the award, which is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

Five parks across Sunderland are raising prestigious Green Flags today after achieving international quality marks. (Image: Sunderland Council)

Councillor Bill Blackett, Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for environment, transport, and enforcement, said: "It is fantastic to see five of Sunderland’s parks recognised with Green Flag awards once again.

"Our city has some beautiful parks and green spaces, and seeing five of them named among the best in the country is something we can all be proud of.

"These prestigious awards are testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining them."

The Green Flag Award is the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: "Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities, and our economy.

"Sunderland’s winners have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed.

"As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming, and maintained to a high standard.

"Congratulations to everyone involved."

This year, 2,391 parks and green spaces across the UK have received a Green Flag Award for 2026/27, marking the scheme’s 30th anniversary.

The awards highlight the importance of well-maintained parks in supporting health and wellbeing, community life, and the environment.